Chief Transit Safety & Regional Experience Leader

Northern Illinois Transit Authority (NITA); Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 141,000 - 187,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work environment

Transit benefits

Paid holidays

Job summary

The Northern Illinois Transit Authority (NITA) seeks a Chief or Director, Transit Safety Officer to provide strategic leadership for a regional transit safety system (OTPSE). This senior role reports to the Executive Director and drives safety standards, rider-focused programs, and interagency collaboration across CTA, Metra, and Pace.

The ideal candidate will hold a Master’s degree in a related field, 10+ years in public safety with supervisory experience, and a track record in data-driven

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a related field required.
• 10+ years in public safety and law enforcement and supervisory experience required.
• Experience collaborating with law enforcement and social services.
• Familiarity with data driven safety frameworks or performance management systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of a regional transit safety strategy in partnership with CTA/Pace/Metra and the Coordinated Safety Response Council.
• Produce legislatively required safety reports and develop dashboards/public updates on safety trends.
• Oversee interagency coordination and agreements related to safety and crime prevention funding.
• Manage partnerships with health and human services agencies including homelessness outreach and mental health support.
• Develop crisis response plans for regional emergencies and large-scale events.

Skills

Public safety leadership

Interagency coordination

Strategic planning

Data-driven safety

Policy development

Equity-centered service

Change management

Education

Master’s degree in Criminal Justice

Master’s degree in Public Administration

Master’s degree in Sociology

Job description

The Northern Illinois Transit Authority (NITA) seeks a Chief or Director, Transit Safety Officer to provide strategic leadership for a regional transit safety system (OTPSE). This senior role reports to the Executive Director and drives safety standards, rider-focused programs, and interagency collaboration across CTA, Metra, and Pace.

The ideal candidate will hold a Master’s degree in a related field, 10+ years in public safety with supervisory experience, and a track record in data-driven